Combating the Costs of Obesity: Diet and Exercise Tips for Adults 40- to 50-years-old

Combating the Costs of Obesity: Diet and Exercise Tips for Adults 40- to 50-years-old

The debate of whether or not obesity is a disease has been a forefront issue in recent months as obesity rates and the cost of treating obesity-related conditions increase in the U.S. There are two central arguments. The first argument is that obesity is a disease caused by illnesses that induce weight increase, biological factors and genetics. This viewpoint advocates that a person has little to no control over whether or not they become obese. The second argument is that obesity is not a disease and is rather a consequence of lifestyle choices, one’s environment and poor diet.

In my opinion, whether or not one believes obesity is a disease is irrelevant. It can be argued that making conscious choices to exercise if possible and eating healthier foods will make a person healthier regardless of illness, biological factors and genetics for these three reasons. First, eating healthier food increases energy. Second, eating healthier food decreases risk for health problems such as cardiovascular disease and stroke and improves conditions in those that cannot be avoided. Third, eating healthier food helps one lose weight and feel better about one’s body image. The most important age group to get involved and make these conscious choices to combat obesity is adults who are 40-to 50-years-old.

Much of the discussion emanating from the media on this issue has centered on childhood obesity, when in fact, contrary to this hype, middle-aged people and those of retirement age are the most at-risk groups for obesity. That is why specifically adults who are 40- to 50-years-old are most responsible for addressing this problem. Many in this age group are parents and affect the consumption choices of young people. This group is also working age and is in a position to change the statistics of obesity over time in those that will retire in future years.

People are quick to point fingers at food producers who have not provided healthier options in the past, and are slow to take personal responsibility for the food they consume daily. However, others will boisterously say, “Keep the government out of my pantry. It is my choice what I eat.” One may question where the lines are drawn between personal choice, corporate social responsibility and government intervention. It is certainly a topic of much debate because of the rising costs of healthcare.

Ultimately, each individual has to determine how to best take care of himself or herself, but adults aged 40- to 50-years-old can tip the scale to fight obesity in future generations. Here are some diet and exercise tips from the American Academy of Otolaryngology for adults in this age group that, when put into action, will help make moves to combat obesity.